IMT and 5G Network Lifecycle: Architecture, Design, Deployment, and Operations Training Course

Introduction to IMT and the Evolution to 5G

• Overview of the IMT-2020 vision and associated technical requirements
• 3GPP standardization timeline and release milestones
• Technical progression from LTE to 5G New Radio (NR)
• Primary 5G service categories: enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC)
• Spectrum utilization across low-band, mid-band, and high-band frequencies
• Defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for 5G network infrastructure

5G Network Architecture

• Deployment models: Non-Standalone (NSA) versus Standalone (SA) configurations
• Service-based architecture of the 5G Core (5GC)
• Degranization of the gNB into Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) components
• Radio Access Network (RAN) architectural options and deployment strategies
• Implementation of Control User Plane Separation (CUPS)

RAN and Core Network Infrastructure

• gNB functional components: CU-Control Plane (CU-CP), CU-User Plane (CU-UP), and DU
• Core network control functions: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), and User Plane Function (UPF)
• User data management entities: Unified Data Management (UDM) and Authentication Server Function (AUSF)
• Policy and Network Repository Functions: Policy Control Function (PCF) and NRF
• Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) operations
• Definition and application of 5G interfaces N1 through N15 for government communications standards
• Protocol stack specifications across 5G network interfaces

Transport Networks for 5G

• IP/MPLS transport architecture design for 5G infrastructure
• Network topology design for fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul segments
• Comparison of eCPRI and CPRI interface standards
• Implementation of precision synchronization using IEEE 1588 PTP and SyncE protocols
• Quality of Service (QoS) management and traffic engineering within transport networks

Open RAN Ecosystem

• O-RAN Alliance architectural framework and foundational principles
• Functions and roles of the RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC)
• Disaggregation of RAN elements: O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU
• Open interfaces enabling multi-vendor interoperability for government procurement flexibility
• Strategic benefits and implementation challenges associated with Open RAN adoption

Virtualization and Cloud-Native Technologies

• Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) architecture and its role in 5G modernization
• Containerization strategies for network function deployment
• Deployment of Kubernetes for telecommunications workloads
• Cloud-native implementation patterns for the 5G Core
• Edge computing concepts and operational patterns

Network Slicing

• Fundamental concepts and principles of network slicing
• Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) and slice identification mechanisms
• Classification of slice types for specific operational use cases
• Resource isolation strategies across distinct network slices
• Lifecycle management of network slices
• Mechanisms for Service Level Agreement (SLA) enforcement

Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)

• MEC architectural framework and core components
• Overview of the ETSI MEC standardization framework
• Deployment scenarios for edge computing infrastructure
• Enabling low-latency applications through edge processing
• Integration mechanisms between MEC platforms and the 5G Core

5G Network Design and Planning

• Site coverage planning and radio propagation modeling
• Capacity dimensioning for Radio Access Network (RAN) and core elements
• RAN planning methodologies including link budget analysis
• Transport network capacity dimensioning
• Core network sizing protocols and site selection criteria

Deployment Planning and Technology Integration

• Strategic deployment approaches for 5G networks in federal environments
• Migration pathways from LTE to 5G infrastructure
• Integration strategies with legacy government infrastructure
• Considerations for multi-vendor deployment scenarios
• Testing methodologies and validation procedures

Network Operations and Observability

• Network Operations Center (NOC) workflows and operational protocols
• KPI monitoring and performance management systems
• Telemetry data collection and streaming analytics
• Distributed tracing and centralized logging practices
• Alarm correlation and event management processes

Incident and Fault Management

• Techniques for fault detection and isolation
• Methodologies for root cause analysis
• Automated remediation strategies for network issues
• Escalation procedures and operational workflows
• Optimization of Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) metrics

Change Management and Operational Continuity

• Change control processes and governance frameworks
• Planning and execution of maintenance windows
• Risk mitigation strategies and rollback procedures
• Disaster recovery planning for critical infrastructure
• High availability design patterns for essential services
• Data backup and restore protocols

Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

• Maintenance scheduling and operational planning
• Procedures for software upgrade implementations
• Hardware lifecycle management strategies
• Strategies for proactive network monitoring
• Spare parts inventory and logistics management

Spectrum Management

• Allocation of frequency bands for 5G deployment
• Approaches to spectrum licensing and acquisition
• Techniques for interference mitigation
• Implementation of dynamic spectrum sharing mechanisms
• Regulatory coordination and compliance requirements for government entities

Mobile Network Security and Security by Design

• 5G security architecture in accordance with 3GPP TS 33.501 standards
• Authentication protocols using 5G-AKA and EAP-AKA
• Data encryption and integrity protection mechanisms
• Network domain security frameworks
• Deployment and function of the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP)
• Security considerations for inter-network roaming
• Threat modeling methodologies for 5G environments
• Principles of secure architecture design for government systems
• Vulnerability assessment and management practices
• Security monitoring and incident response protocols
• Implementation of zero-trust architecture principles in 5G networks

Operational Resilience and Compliance

• Resilience frameworks tailored for telecommunications infrastructure
• Business continuity planning for essential government services
• Overview of applicable regulatory requirements
• Standards compliance and governance structures
• Audit readiness preparation and documentation practices

Network Automation

• Automation frameworks designed for 5G network operations
• Orchestration platforms and operational tools
• Zero-touch provisioning capabilities
• Concepts of intent-based networking
• Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines for network functions
• Application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) in network operations

Technology and Vendor Evaluation

• Evaluation criteria for assessing 5G technologies in public sector contexts
• Design and execution of proof-of-concept trials
• Interoperability testing methodologies
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis for government procurement
• Vendor-neutral decision-making frameworks

Practical Case Studies

• RAN design scenario for a regional service provider
• Transport network dimensioning exercise
• Conducted security assessment simulation
• Fault management drill operation
• Change management process simulation
• Operational continuity planning workshop